TGL AVL

The modern way to socialize in Asheville.

We are a social network designed for authentic connection through meaningful, in-person experiences.

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You’re not the only one feeling like something is missing in our social lives.

Gradient Squiggles, UI Connected Circles

Stuck in our

bubbles

“So what do you do for a living?”

Same events, same small talk

“Connected” without real connection

“OOT next weekend. What about three months from now?”

Everyone’s too busy to meet up

Human connection is the #1 determinant of the quality of our lives.

Isn’t it time to socialize like it?

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“This was SUCH a beautiful, amazing, necessary moment. I really look forward to “kicking it” with these folks again soon for a deeper connection. It felt like family.”

“[My Gathering Lab] felt like the friend group I just hadn’t met yet.”

“I loved the intentionality of The Gathering Lab. My favorite part was fostering real connections. I felt very bonded to the people around me, and the time flew by it was so fun.”

-The Gathering Lab Participants

Harvard Happiness Study

Our Method

At The Gathering Lab, we make it easy to build real connections in our community, based on the science of how we bond.

Shared values and interests

Research shows we connect best with people who share our values and interests. Yet we are often in groups or connect on apps based on default patterns of who we think we’ll like. That’s why The Gathering Lab curates intentional, diverse groups who are likely to bond because they share meaningful commonalities that really matter, rather than superficial ones that don’t.

Quality, in-person interactions

According to behavioral science, we develop strong bonds through positive, vulnerable conversations and collaborative activities - not stuffy happy hours or transactional small talk. At The Gathering Lab, we partner with local business to host in-person experiences for your Lab that are designed for intentional and enjoyable connection, making it easy to socialize no matter how introverted or extroverted you are.

Consistency

Finally, for strong, organic connections to form, we need to see each other repeatedly - which is why it’s so easy to make friends in college, where you regularly bump into people in the library, cafeteria, or gym. Yet, in our busy, modern world, many of our interactions are one-offs or happen too infrequently to turn into anything. At The Gathering Lab, we provide the infrastructure for consistent interaction, so you can build connections over time. You get a deeper, more diverse network in your city, without the countless hours spent syncing up calendars and picking spots for coffee dates.

Fisherman’s Friend Study, 2022

Jon Levy, You’re Invited: The Art and Science of Connection, Trust, and Belonging

Dr. Marisa Franco, Platonic

How it Works

An inspiring social life curated just for you.

Black man smiling and waving hand. Friendly person

Tell us what makes you you.

Is “humor” a top value of yours? Do you love wine-tasting, or is hiking more up your alley? Complete your Gathering Lab profile and tell us all about you, what you love, and what lights you up. You’ll then be matched into a Gathering Lab with a diverse group of people who share similar values and interests.

Decide how frequently you want to participate.

Just looking to get outside your bubble and attend a cool event every once in a while? Or are you new here and looking to find your people? No matter your life stage, we’ve got something for you. Decide how many experiences you’d like to have with your Lab, based on your preference.

Get invited to meaningful, in-person experiences.

Once you’re matched, your Lab is invited to exclusive, faciliated experiences with the best tastemakers in Asheville - from breweries and cafes to boutiques and bookstores. Each event is designed for unlocking human connection. Attend the ones that excite you the most, so you can start meeting folks in your Lab who love what you love.

Experience the benefits of human connection.

Strong social connections have been shown to lead to lower rates of anxiety and depression, higher self-esteem, better sleep, greater empathy, and more trusting and cooperative relationships. Through TGL, you’ll form meaningful connections, broaden your circle, and improve your well-being, all while enjoying fun events that fill your soul and bring you joy.

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100% Meaningful Connection Guarantee

We know you’ll build at least one new, meaningful connection with TGL. We also know it can be scary to try something new, so we’re removing the risk for you. We guarantee you’ll make a new and meaningful connection or you get 100% of your money back.